A larger seat was required, however, for the base of the arches, and, therefore they introduced the abacus, which is simply a moulded dosseret, square, and of much less height than the Byzantine example. I think it is inferior to the dosseret, and the Corinthian examples of the nave will, I think, support my view. They have no connection with the capital which does not lead up to it. / Now, with the Ionic capital it was different, it was so small and of such slight height, comparatively, that they made it part of the dosseret.